After suffering low sales during Ghost Month, automotive sales in September bounced back with more than 38,000 units sold, a 5.1 percent increase compared to August.

Based on the joint report of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) released Thursday, total industry sales in September 2025 reached 38,029 units, slightly higher than the 36,174 units sold in August.

The groups said this signals renewed consumer confidence and sustained market momentum.

Year-to-date (YTD) sales stood at 343,410 units, nearly matching last year’s volume — a sign of the industry’s stability amid evolving market dynamics.

“The September results reflect the industry’s adaptability and commitment to innovation,” said CAMPI President Atty. Rommel Gutierrez. “As we continue to embrace electrification and expand commercial mobility solutions, we remain optimistic about closing the year on a high note,” he added.

CAMPI and TMA reaffirmed their commitment to driving sustainable growth while supporting consumer needs.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation remained the market leader with a 47.99 percent share, followed by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (19.05 percent), Ford Group Philippines (4.86 percent), Nissan Philippines, Inc. (4.84 percent), and Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (4.77 percent).

Meanwhile, electric vehicle (EV) sales dipped slightly by 0.9 percent, with 2,223 units sold in September compared to 2,244 in August.

On the other hand, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) sales surged 35.1 percent, rising to 1,750 units from 1,295 in August.

Major policy actions

Also on Thursday, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced new policy measures to accelerate the country’s transition to electric mobility by strengthening infrastructure and regulatory frameworks for large-scale EV adoption.

These include the issuance of the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Development Plan Integration Circular, a forthcoming public consultation on mandatory EV charging station installations for designated establishments, and amended EV recognition guidelines to streamline registration and compliance processes for stakeholders.

The DOE said these initiatives align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to achieve 50 percent EV adoption on Philippine roads by 2040, under the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI) — which targets 2.45 million EVs and 20,400 charging stations nationwide.

“Electric mobility is a vital pillar of our energy security strategy,” said Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin. “By reducing our reliance on imported oil, EV adoption shields our economy from volatile global prices while expanding the use of locally sourced renewable energy. This transition allows us to manage demand more efficiently, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and build a cleaner, more resilient energy future for all Filipinos,” she added.